Letters -- Published Dec. 10, 2012

It's unfair to blame Mayor Ann Johnston for Stockton's bankruptcy. The stage was set for downtown revitalization gone crazy 11/2 years before Ann Johnston even came into the equation on Nov. 6, 1994.

It's unfair to blame Mayor Ann Johnston for Stockton's bankruptcy. The stage was set for downtown revitalization gone crazy 11/2 years before Ann Johnston even came into the equation on Nov. 6, 1994.

On Feb. 2, 1993, The Record had a front-page story of "City wins enterprise zone." Problem was that The Record never explained in the story what revitalization incentive ideas caused Stockton to win the third best downtown revitalization program in the state of California.

Problem was that Stockton Economic Development Director Don Lloyd and enterprise zone boss City Councilman Mel Panizza wrongly convinced the public that state enterprise zones were created to give tax breaks to business.

Educated people know you need more than tax breaks to have a successful enterprise zone to revitalize downtown; you need winning local incentive ideas. These two men started a smoke-and-mirrors concert of the state enterprise zone that led to tax and spend and tax and spend and much city government meddling. After about 17 years of bad investments that never paid off, Stockton couldn't make the payments.

If Stockton obeyed the Public Records Law and if Stockton went along with the state enterprise zone guidelines, everything would be different now.

Dennis Cochran

Stockton

Concerning The Record's Nov. 17 sports story, "Alternate look focuses on Stockton," I disagree with the Ports' new Friday uniform logo. It depicts a mean, muscular thug, not naval personnel, with a huge large weapon - asparagus, not believable - ready to assault you at any given time.

As usual, Stockton used an out-of-town firm that doesn't know our history in baseball. The first games in the late 1800s were played at Weber Point. A hotly contested poem is about our team, known then as the "Mudville Nine" and the great and Mighty Casey, although other states and teams claim it. It happened here.

In the 1980s our mascot was the "Mighty Casey." Kids loved having pictures taken with him; he was friendly and a hero to them, and all Ports fans. He had fun with fans and players alike.

Now we have an out-of-town firm giving us a "Friday character" who looks to challenge anyone with anger and violence.

What's wrong with using Stockton firms to get answers solved instead of always using out of state or town firms? The look and character does not send out a positive image of Stockton. Of course, San Diego wouldn't understand this.

Craig T. Roley

Stockton

In a phone call to The Record publisher, I complained about the fees that are assessed to those who place the death of a loved one in their publication.

The last thing I expected was a bill for $335.92. I was told by the publisher that the obituary is treated the same way as an advertiser placing an ad.

I think The Record should re-evaluate their policy. As a 50-plus year subscriber of The Record, I can remember this service was provided at no cost.

Jay R. Sorenson

Stockton

The forces of evil have easily persuaded the people to keep them in power. Everyone knows God resides on the right - and because they have rejected Him, He will reject them.

The left follows the wide road and the right follows a narrow path and we all know where they lead. And because God will not sit forever - those who want abortion and gay marriage will end up with neither.